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Days after US President Donald Trump announced a diesel supply deal with Russia and declared an energy ceasefire in the Ukraine war, Ukraine reported sudden restrictions on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet terminals and US intelligence that warns of incoming Russian ballistic missile attacks.
The restrictions have affected military-grade satellite terminals used to guide Ukrainian drones for attack missions and air defences to intercept incoming Russian drones.
Now, Ukraine is in a difficult position as its once-crucial relationship with US President Donald Trump comes under strain. Musk is also a close ally of Trump. According to Reuters, the billionaire has spent about USD 366 million ahead of the 2026 midterms, including USD 276 million since July, to help Republicans retain control of Congress. He also funded his run for presidency by several hundred million dollars.
In a post on X, Musk clarified that restrictions on Starshield, SpaceX's military satellite service, are decided by the US government and military, ultimately under the authority of the US President. He distinguished the system from Starlink, describing the latter as a commercial service intended for civilian or defensive use rather than offensive military operations.
WHAT HAPPENED TO UKRAINE'S STARLINK ACCESS?
Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov said the restrictions were imposed without warning, which disrupted several military operations. He claimed the timing was of the action is important, although he did not provide evidence linking the move to pressure from the Trump administration.
"Obviously, this action cannot be a coincidence and is associated with the current political situation," Beskrestnov said in a social media post.
Starlink is a satellite internet network operated by SpaceX, the company founded by billionaire Elon Musk. It provides internet connectivity in areas where conventional communications infrastructure is unavailable, damaged or unreliable.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Starlink has been an important part of Ukraine's military communications. Ukrainian forces use the network to coordinate operations, exchange information and maintain connections with drones operating over the battlefield.
The latest restrictions reportedly affected Starlink terminals used while moving at high speeds. According to Beskrestnov, SpaceX imposed a speed limit of 160 kilometres per hour on terminals covered by its StarShield military service package.
Ukrainian military sources cited by The Kyiv Independent said the limitations were affecting drone operations even at speeds considerably below that threshold. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said that the cause was being investigated.
"This complicates drone missions -- specifically those involving interceptors and mid-range strike drones -- and hampers capabilities for frontline logistics, reconnaissance, and signal relay," the source said. Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps also reported problems with Starlink connectivity. It said a drone unit operating in the Huliaipole sector had been forced to cancel several missions because of the disruption.
The restrictions matter because Ukraine relies on different types of drones for both offensive and defensive operations. Strike drones can reach Russian military positions and disrupt supplies, while interceptor drones are used to stop incoming Russian drones before they hit their targets.
The sudden loss of connectivity can therefore affect more than a single operation. It can complicate communications, interrupt drone guidance and reduce the ability of military units to coordinate activities across the battlefield.
WHY THE TIMING HAS RAISED QUESTIONS
The Starlink disruption comes at a particularly sensitive moment in relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Trump has recently intensified his criticism of Zelenskyy while pushing for measures aimed at lowering fuel prices in the US ahead if midterm elections. The US President has linked Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure to pressure on global diesel supplies and has argued that Kyiv should stop targeting Russian refineries.
Last week, Washington lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports as part of an effort to increase fuel supplies. Trump also announced that Russia would provide additional diesel to US and global markets. The move followed a sharp rise in fuel prices after the US launched its war against Iran in February. Higher diesel prices have become a political concern for Trump's Republican Party ahead of the November 3 midterm polls, when Democrats could make gains in Congress.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel, followed by additional shipments in November and thereafter. However, the initial volume would represent less than a day's supply for the US transport sector alone, according to US Energy Information Administration data cited by Reuters.
The sanctions decision drew criticism from Zelenskyy, who warned that easing restrictions on Russian fuel exports could strengthen Moscow's ability to continue its war. Trump subsequently called for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy as president.
"I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump told reporters at the White House.
ZELENSKYY SAYS IT IS PAINFUL TO LOSE US SUPPORT
Expressing frustration with Trump's increasingly hostile stance towards Ukraine, Zelenskyy said it was painful to see the US president side with Moscow. In an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored on Wednesday, the Ukrainian leader said he could accept Trump acting as an intermediary between the two countries, but argued that the US president should not favour either side.
"It's painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side," Zelenskyy said.
"If you are in the middle, you have to stay in the middle."
Asked whether he felt betrayed by Trump, Zelenskyy replied: "Really, yes ... but it's a little bit more complicated than just my emotions or my feelings."
"It's a pity we are losing (a) strong partner," he added. The Ukrainian President also rejected the idea that his country could be treated as a bargaining chip in negotiations.
"We are not selling our country ... it's not about business for us, it's just our life and this is our country," he said.
Earlier, reports have indicated that the Trump administration has threatened to withhold intelligence support to pressure Kyiv into suspending attacks on Russian oil refineries.
HOW STARLINK POWERED UKRAINE'S DRONE WAR
Starlink's satellite network helps drone operators stay connected with aircraft flying over areas where fighting is underway, allowing them to guide missions and relay information. Ukraine relies on drones to monitor Russian positions, disrupt supply routes and strike military targets. These operations often depend on satellite connections to receive instructions and send back information while the drones are in flight.
The technology has also helped Ukraine disrupt Russian military logistics, making it harder for Moscow to move supplies to troops on the front lines. Any disruption to the connectivity used by these drones could therefore affect both attacks on Russian positions and the movement of military supplies.
Starlink connections are also important for Ukraine's efforts to intercept incoming Russian drones. With Russia deploying increasingly advanced aerial weapons, including jet-powered attack drones, any loss of reliable connectivity could make it harder for Ukrainian forces to detect and counter these threats.
Ukraine had earlier worked with SpaceX to deactivate unauthorised Starlink terminals used by Russian forces. The latest development has therefore created fresh uncertainty over the role of the satellite network in a conflict in which both sides have sought to exploit the technology.
Poland, which pays for Ukrainian Starlink subscriptions, also questioned the reported restrictions. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticised Musk on X, writing: "Hey, @elonmusk, big man, are you playing politics with your products again?"
"As your European customers, we are watching you," he added.
Musk did not immediately respond.
Starlink has been providing battlefield communication for Ukraine since its full-scale invasion in 2022. The recent reported restrictions have thus created a fear in Kyiv that the use of the technology provided by a US firm might be vulnerable with the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
There is no evidence that Trump or his administration ordered SpaceX to restrict Starlink services in Ukraine. However, the timing is difficult for Kyiv to ignore. With Trump openly criticising Zelenskyy, easing restrictions on Russian fuel exports and pushing Ukraine to change its approach to the war, the episode has added to concerns that deteriorating relations could leave Kyiv vulnerable to attacks, with no clear breakthrough in peace talks and no end to the war in sight.
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